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    Quick Links: Plug in wiring harness vs. dedicated circuit 2017 SR trailer wiring Existential Crisis: Trade the Tacoma for a Tundra? Monitoring transmission temp My experience of towing 4,700lb travel trailer, which now weighs closer to 5,000lbs… maybe. Looking to tow 4500lb dry weight camper with 2-3 passengers

What size drop for towing?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Kenobe, Jul 10, 2009.

  1. Jul 10, 2009 at 2:11 PM
    #1
    Kenobe

    #1
    Kenobe [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hey guys, I want to get a receiver and 2" ball to tow a pop-up camper in a couple weekends.

    Question is, anyone know off-hand what reciever I should get, as in how much of a drop? I've got the '09 4x4 Sport.

    I called the dealer and he told me to back up to the trailer first and measure. Fine, but I haven't got access to the f'ing trailer yet, and I don't want to drive all around the place to do this.

    Anyone got the info at hand? Or should I just go get a measuring tape...?

    Kenobe
     
    Kenobe, Jul 10, 2009
    #1
  2. Jul 10, 2009 at 3:30 PM
    #2
    Isthatahemi

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    Isthatahemi Well-Known Member

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    It depends entirely on the height of the tongue on the trailer.....That being said, if it's not an offroad type camper, a 3.5"drop will get you close.
     
    Isthatahemi, Jul 10, 2009
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  3. Jul 10, 2009 at 3:40 PM
    #3
    Brunes

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    Brunes abides.

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    Yeah...Height of the trailer matters the most. Are you buying or borrowing the trailer?? Cause backing up to the trailer- that's the safest way to get it right.
     
    Brunes, Jul 10, 2009
    #3
  4. Jul 10, 2009 at 3:44 PM
    #4
    MJonaGS32

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    MJonaGS32 MJ on a GS

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    find out the hitch height of your trailer.

    measure your hitch from the ground. find the difference b/t that and the trailer hitch height, then subtract 2" for the ball height.
     
    MJonaGS32, Jul 10, 2009
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  5. Jul 10, 2009 at 4:46 PM
    #5
    JoeSchmuck

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    JoeSchmuck Well-Known Member

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    If you don't know what to buy, there is an alternative but it's not cheap. Buy an adjustable ball and hitch. I'm not promoting this specific one, it was just the first one that popped up in a search engine. The price is a bit high in my opinion too ($195.95). This one has a drop that is adjustable from 0 to 6 inches, not bad. It comes with the standard 2 inch and 2 5/8 inch balls and is rated to pull 10,000 pounds.

    This is an option but I'd shop around for a less expensive one.

    [​IMG]

    Hope this give you an idea...

    -Joe
     
    JoeSchmuck, Jul 10, 2009
    #5
  6. Jul 11, 2009 at 7:10 PM
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    Incognito

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    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    ^^ :eek: That's EXPENSIVE!
     
    Incognito, Jul 11, 2009
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  7. Jul 11, 2009 at 7:51 PM
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    JoeSchmuck

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    JoeSchmuck Well-Known Member

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    Yes, it is and rest assured I won't be buying one but it would solve not knowing before hand. If I were Kenobe, I'd call the place he was renting the camper from and ask them for the ball height, they should know that, or go there and measure it himself. That's the best way for now.

    -Joe
     
    JoeSchmuck, Jul 11, 2009
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  8. Jul 11, 2009 at 7:54 PM
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    Incognito

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    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    Yeah, that would be best. ;)
     
    Incognito, Jul 11, 2009
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  9. Jul 12, 2009 at 4:08 AM
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    JDCPA

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    JDCPA Well-Known Member

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    If you don't know where the trailer is going to line up I'd get a standard drawbar with the 2" drop. If it turns out you need more drop a new drawbar of the correct size is only about $20.
     
    JDCPA, Jul 12, 2009
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  10. Jul 12, 2009 at 7:27 PM
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    Isthatahemi

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    Isthatahemi Well-Known Member

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    Keep in mind the truck will drop a little with tongue weight.
     
    Isthatahemi, Jul 12, 2009
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  11. Jul 13, 2009 at 12:47 PM
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    salsataco

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    salsataco Well-Known Member

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    I got a reese adjustable from advance auto for 50 bucks...
     
    salsataco, Jul 13, 2009
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  12. Jul 13, 2009 at 2:29 PM
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    JoeSchmuck

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    JoeSchmuck Well-Known Member

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    I'll have to check that out myself.
     
    JoeSchmuck, Jul 13, 2009
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  13. Jul 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM
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    salsataco

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    salsataco Well-Known Member

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    salsataco, Jul 13, 2009
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Products Discussed in

Reese Towpower 21141 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount, Fits 2" Square Receiver, 5.25" Drop, 4" Rise, 5000 lbs. Capacity
$51.23
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